U.S. Chamber Highlights Role of Technology In Tackling Climate Change
Intellectual property-based innovation must be part of the solution, Chamber says
POZNAN, POLAND—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today urged government negotiators at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference to pursue a realistic international climate change agreement that includes global participation and strong intellectual property rights to spur the use of clean energy technologies worldwide.
Before more than 200 conference participants, experts from the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, the Global Intellectual Property Center, and General Electric led a discussion on the importance of technology innovation in tackling global climate change.
“New energy technologies can help fuel the economic growth needed to lift people out of poverty and make us responsible environmental stewards,” said Stephen Eule, vice president for Climate and Technology of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy. “Free and transparent markets, the rule of law, respect for intellectual property rights, and free trade are the best ways to promote clean energy innovation and robust investment from the private sector.”
Highlighting the central role of intellectual property rights in this debate, Caroline Joiner, vice president of the U.S. Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center said, “Promoting the private sector’s leadership in both developed and developing countries is essential to encouraging innovation in clean energy technologies. Technology has to be a part of any solution to climate change, and the technologies we need won’t be developed and transferred without strong intellectual property rights.
“An effective and viable climate change treaty starts with negotiators enshrining clean energy technology and strong intellectual property rights as part of the solution, rather than a problem or a bargaining chip,” she added.
From December 1-12, Poznan, Poland is hosting the fourteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC. Through this framework, more than 180 nations are crafting an international climate change treaty. UNFCCC negotiations are continuing this week with an eye on concluding all negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark in December 2009.
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful energy action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion IP as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges.
The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
